Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Skot Communications becomes a new player on the Nigerian PR scene
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024
Global PR giant Hill & Knowlton exits the local market, as Skot takes over its staff complement and client base.
Skot Communications has become a new player on the Nigerian public relations scene following its acquisition of the business and assets of Hill & Knowlton Nigeria.
The new business venture opened its doors this month and is headed by Tokunboh George-Taylor, who was previously managing director of Hill & Knowlton Nigeria, which she helped establish in 2015.
Tokunboh George-Taylor. Photo via LinkedIn
Skot takes over the staff complement of 21 people, as well as the client base. These include Netflix, Visa, GE Vernova, Dorman Long, Shell and FBNQuest Merchant Bank.
The new public relations agency is based in Lagos and London and, according to a media statement, is positioned as a global strategic communications consultancy with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. It works across sectors including financial and professional services, energy, consumer, technology, healthcare, entertainment and sports, and education and women.
George-Taylor has extensive experience in PR. Before joining Hill & Knowlton, she headed corporate services and corporate communications for Oando, one of Africa’s largest integrated energy groups. She also served on the group leadership council.
Building on the Hill & Knowlton foundation
“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new journey. Building upon the strong foundation laid by Hill & Knowlton, Skot Communications is committed to delivering the highest standards of public relations and communications services to our clients, with local and global insights to drive transformative growth,” George-Taylor says.
“We remain dedicated to exceeding expectations while simultaneously expanding our offerings to adapt to the evolving Nigerian market and media communications landscape.”
Hill & Knowlton Nigeria is owned by WPP Scangroup, the African subsidiary of WPP plc. The latter is a British multinational communications, advertising, public relations, technology, and commerce holding company headquartered in London.
HK Nigeria continues to exist as a non-operating subsidiary of WPP Scangroup.
In a cautionary announcement to investors late last year, ahead of the Skot Communications deal, WPP Scangroup said it aimed to “strategically reallocate resources towards our primary markets, enhancing our core business operations and therefore contributing to long-term success”.
Momentum Group appoints chief marketing and communications officer
Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.
AI and algorithm-led engagement among the challenges facing marketers
AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.
Absa bank launches pan-African campaign with athlete Eliud Kipchoge
The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.
How traditional trade is being reimagined, but remains ‘traditional’
Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.
How luxury brands become a source of meaningfulness for employees
Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful
Redefining honesty in a crisis: Why truth alone is not enough
Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.
Lesotho bank’s culturally intelligent campaign beats bigger rivals
In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.
AMC magazine brings latest news and insights for Africa’s marketers
Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.
Global study of marketers and agencies is coming to Kenya for first time
CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.
Huge African and Caribbean trade potential can be unlocked, study finds
Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.